Laptop lineup: $1000 to $1800 for 4 of this year’s best – Pueblo Chieftain

When it comes to personal computing, the laptop has become most people’s first option. They’re easily transported, most come with a touchscreen, and they come in a variety of sizes and configurations, with all sorts of different features that set them apart — larger desktop replacements, easily portable models for users on the go, high-powered gaming laptops and 2-in-1 convertibles that can be used as a tablet. Here are four of CNET’s picks for the best laptops of the last year.

The good: The inventive Touch Bar streamlines work and saves clicks, and Apple has improved almost every part of the thinner, lighter MacBook Pro, including a larger touchpad, faster components and a flatter keyboard. iPhone’s Touch ID is handy on the Mac, too.

The bad: You’re paying a hefty premium for the Touch Bar, which supports only a limited handful of Apple apps for now. The USB-C-only ports mean carrying a bag full of dongles. The lack of high-end graphics or huge RAM options in the 13-inch model may frustrate photo and video professionals.

The cost: $1,699.99 to $1,799.99

The bottom line:

Apple’s smart, useful Touch Bar makes it well worth splurging on the step-up version of the streamlined 13-inch MacBook Pro.

The good: The Razer Blade Stealth includes a Core i7 processor and high-res touchscreen even in its lowest-end configuration; it has more ports than other 12-inch laptops and a fun Chroma backlit keyboard.

The bad: It’s bigger and heavier than 12-inch laptops from Apple, Asus and others. The thick bezel around the screen feels dated and configuration options are limited.

The cost: $1,449.99

The bottom line: The Razer Blade Stealth offers better specs for less money than the competition, and includes features others lack, such as a high-res touch screen and full-size USB ports. The design is slick, the price is right, but it’s not as slim and portable as other 12-inch laptops.

The good: The good-looking hinged kickstand has a lot of positioning flexibility. Has a USB-C port for video output and peripherals with adapters. Unlike Microsoft, Lenovo includes a generally excellent backlit keyboard cover. Lenovo’s Active Pen and palm rejection work very well.

The bad: The fans can get a little too loud for quiet environments. No memory card slot for expansion. The Active Pen is a $40 extra and its included holder blocks the power jack. The tiny right-hand shift key is horrible.

The cost: $591.99 to $610.85

The bottom line: The Lenovo Miix 510 is an excellent — and more affordable ­– alternative to Microsoft’s 2-in-1 tablet PC. And it might be the better choice for you.